Saturday 26 February 2011

Going snowboarding?

Not just the cover, but also the contents of this book - another reprint of Paul White the Jungle Doctor - are in a very different style from the Jungle Doctor or Fables series.  Written for older youth this book has nothing to do with snowboarding but is essentially a practical guide for Christian living.  Paul White speaks of his own conversion and uses anecdotes from his own life and missionary days to illustrate his points.  Solidly sensible advice is given on a huge variety of topics such as regular Bible reading & prayer, money, guidance, careers, marriage, the occult and much more.
I have to admit, after the first few chapters I was decidedly negative about the book.  For one, he quotes a lot of Scripture - not a problem for me except that he insists on using the Phillips translation which is essentially a paraphrased version of the Bible and not to my taste.  Secondly, there was a distinctly Free Will element to some of his writings which jarred with my Free Grace views. Gradually though, his down to earth style won me over and I do think that with careful and discerning reading, this immensely practical book could be really helpful.  The publishers say that it is suitable for 12+yrs.  I think I would be more cautious and say 16+yrs.
Lorna
Get Moving by Paul White, published by Christian Focus Publications, £4.99

Wednesday 23 February 2011

Time Travel

Lorna is just back from the Elizabethan age. It has inspired her dress sense. Just look what you poor unfortunates miss by not seeing her at the counter! I only hope her management attitude hasn't been influenced as well or else I might be the victim of a Tudor temper... I don't want to prejudice my case any further, but it rather reminds me of the cover picture of Lady Jane Grey on 'Coronation of Glory.' A lot of English people immediately think Faith Cook in connection with her, but Elisabeth Elliot (no less) raved about this book by Deborah Meroff. 'Miss Meroff…has fictionalized the story of Lady Jane Grey in a thoroughly absorbing manner…she has succeeded in making me believe this is what really happened. I kept wanting to read on – the book is full of action and interest.'
Soberly published by Inheritance Publications, £8.50. Try doing some time travel for yourself!
Jeremy

Saturday 5 February 2011

Child Labour?

It might be February but the end of year stocktake is only just finishing - a real joint effort was made today and finally all the bookmarks, cards, posters and little odds & ends were all counted up.  Having said that, when you have a four year old involved you can't really guarantee that it has been done accurately!
Lorna